Toshiba PDR-M5
User Review

Review posted 10/7/99

The
Toshiba PDR-M5 offers 3X optical zoom, 1/2-inch CCD with 2.14
megapixel 1600 x 1200 (or 800 x 600) resolution, USB/Serial connectivity and a burst
mode.
It is housed in a high impact plastic body that
breaks away from conventional styling. At first glance it appears to
be an SLR, upon closer inspection reveals itself as an optically-coupled
rangefinder camera.

Toshiba has used the most advanced digital signal processing (DSP)
technology available to provide superior speed for the PDR-M5. This DSP chip set
allows the PDR-M5 to operate at a higher burst rate than most other
digital cameras. There is a minimal delay between shots of 0.8 seconds.

In burst mode, the internal 16 MB of memory acts as a "buffer"
temporarily storing images before transferring them to the removable
SmartMediaŽ card. The buffer combined with the DSP chip set allows
users to shoot up to four continuous shots at the camera's highest
resolution setting in two seconds.

The futuristic styling of the PDR-M5 continues on the rear with a
"form follows function" design complete with ergonomically-placed
buttons and the large, color LCD display.

Even from the top, the PDR-M5 is a "cool" looking camera. The popup
flash, when not in use, closes cleanly into the body and all but
disappears. When needed, a simple push of the release button brings
it into action.

On the bottom is the battery access door and a (unfortunately) plastic
tripod socket that is positioned slightly beyond the balance point and
favors the lens side of the camera.

The PDR-M5 features a 3x optical zoom (38mm to 115mm equivalent) lens that extends when the camera
is powered on and retracts back into the body when powered down or when
the camera goes into sleep mode. The PDR-M5 also has a 2X digital zoom
feature.

The aspherical, eight-element, all-glass (F3.8W / F5.5T), lens focuses
from 12 inches to infinity, the macro mode covers down to about
5-inches for sharp close-ups.

The lens mount is threaded for the PDR-ARM5 52mm add-on adapter to allow the use
of filters and third-party lenses like Raynox and Kenko. This adapter works
like the one for the Olympus C-2000Z in that it lets the lens slide freely
inside.

The five-mode flash system (automatic, red-eye reduction, forced-fill
flash, slow synchro and force-off) is easily adjusted to any lighting
condition up to 8-feet from the subject, helping to extend the range of
the camera indoors and outdoors.

I really like the placement and feel of the PDR-M5's command dial. It is
detented and positioned for easy operation. The modes are clearly
labelled and kept to a minimum, it has the usual Auto, Manual, Play,
Connect to PC, Setup and Off positions.

As was pointed out by one of our avid readers, you do have to cycle
through the "Off" position to go from Record to Play modes which
means cycling the lens in and out each time. However, if you're really
fast at changing the switch from Rec to Play position you can "fool" it.

As with all previous Toshiba cameras we have reviewed, the PDR-M5
features a high-capacity 3.7v 1100mAh lithium-ion rechargable battery
and comes with a combination charger and AC power supply.

Additional batteries can be purchased at a reasonable price ($42)
here

Behind a flexible, rubber door are the M5's I/O ports which include a
very fast USB port that also doubles as a serial port connection.

The video out signal is standard NTSC format which allows you to view
your pictures on any TV set equipped with a Video In jack. You can
also use this feature to record a slideshow of your favorite pictures
onto video tape and send it to grandma who has no computer.

The AC adapter and battery charger plugs into the 5vdc input jack on
the bottom. The battery is charged "in camera."

The user controls are all clearly marked as to what they do and thankfully
none of them are double-function type buttons. Next to the color LCD
display is the Menu, Display, Macro, and Delete buttons. Above those is
a 4-way rocker switch that lets you navigate the menus and playback
functions. Selection confirmation is performed by pressing the center
of the 4-way switch which is marked "Enter."

The zoom lens is controlled by the sculptured "T W" rocker switch
near the top which is easily operated by the thumb.

Here's a closeup of the data LCD in its illuminated state. Like the
PDR-M4, Toshiba has used a high-tech, backlit LCD so that the user can
check and change common camera features even in the dark.

Below the LCD are the selftimer, image quality and flash mode buttons.

Note the sliding lever under the optical viewfinder, this is a dioptic
adjustment. The viewfinder appears to be large but once you put your
eye up to it you'll notice that it has a rather narrow angle of view.
Some people may have a problem getting a clear viewfinder image no matter how
much they fiddle with the diopter control.

On the righthand side of the optical viewfinder is the status LED
that indicates the following camera states:

Solid Green

Indicates AE and AF are locked with shutter held halfway down

Camera is in standby mode

Charging of battery is completed

Blinking Green

Indicate lack of AF or AE

Selftimer is in operation

Solid Red

Writing to SmartMedia card

SmartMedia card being accessed, do not turn off

Charging of battery

Blinking Red

Over or under-exposure on preset aperture value

Battery error

Orange

Signal processing in progress

Charging of flash

The SmartMedia card access door should open a little farther (IMHO) but
does afford enough room to grasp the edge of the card. The PDR-M5 uses
the "push in and pop out" type of card ejector mechanism that I think
all SmartMedia-enabled cameras should have.

Compatibility is guaranteed by Toshiba through 64MB according to the
user manual. I can personally guarantee that it works fine with 32MB
cards but I haven't seen a 64MB capacity card yet.